Breaktime with Dr Alice England

This month we are celebrating Dr England and the brilliant first six months that she has had in her role as Director of our Sixth Form.  

We caught up with her to find out what she has enjoyed most over the past six months, what exciting new plans she's got in store for our Sixth Form Centre and the warm message she has for our new Year 12's joining us next September...  

Since coming into the role at Easter, what have been your highlights? 

Oh there have been so many(!), but if I had to choose one, it would be the mock UK election that we held in July.  

Students formed groups representing political parties, put together campaigns and lobbied to the rest of the school for votes. The engagement across the whole community was brilliant and it was wonderful to see so many students take part, even those who don’t study Government and Politics or History.  

Can you tell us about any changes in the Sixth Form this year? 

We offer support and guidance for our Sixth Form through our Lighthouse Programme. This is designed to help students not only with their plans for university and further education, but also independent living, covering topics such as car maintenance, cooking on a budget, healthy relationships and first aid. This year we have recognised that degree apprenticeships are becoming a more popular pathway for our students; as a result, we are offering more support than ever to those wishing to follow that path, offering them tailored advice and sessions to support with their applications.

As Director of Sixth Form, what are you most proud of? 

I’m incredibly proud of how much our students give back. The mentoring initiatives that the Sixth Formers lead are a fantastic example of this. Every week, they support younger students throughout the school, offering academic guidance, encouragement and support. Our subject mentors help students predominantly in Years 10 and 11 with their GCSE subjects, and our wellbeing ambassadors undertake training to ensure they are able to effectively support younger students. 

Beyond the school grounds, students are also active in the wider community too, including working with the Bridge Learning Campus, volunteering at food banks and participating in activities that develop empathy and leadership.

Why do you love your role as Director of Sixth Form? 

I absolutely love this role because of how varied it is. It allows me to balance the pastoral and academic aspects of education, which, whilst challenging, is so rewarding. Working with young adults is especially fulfilling; building relationships with them while supporting and mentoring them through an important stage of their lives is something I’m passionate about. There's always a lot happening in our close-knit community, and we’re here to guide students as they prepare to leave school and lead a more independent life, equipping them with the skills they need to succeed.

What makes Redmaids’ High Sixth Form so special? 

It’s a place where individuality is celebrated, where everyone can feel heard, valued and supported. It is ultimately a student-led environment, where the girls have so much involvement in shaping their experience here. This year we launched a new curriculum that was shaped by our students’ interests and requests. Last year, they completely redecorated their Common Room, painting the spaces and choosing new furniture to reflect their personalities and needs.

If you had one message to share with prospective students joining our Sixth Form, what would it be? 

At our school we offer a supportive environment where you have the freedom to discover who you are. Our goal is to help you be free to be you. With that, we know you will achieve your full potential in every aspect of your education and have the confidence and skills to pursue your own journey.

This is a community where individuality is recognised and celebrated, and I think that’s the key to our success. Our students strive to achieve their best in every aspect of their education, and this is the space to do it. Inclusivity and self-expression are at the heart of what we do, ensuring every girl feels safe, supported and empowered to be herself. We’d love to welcome you here to join us!

For more about our Sixth Form click HERE.